42-year-old American cyclist Kristin Armstrong just made Olympic history

American rider Kristin Armstrong made Olympic history in Rio on Wednesday after winning the gold medal in the women's individual time trial and becoming the first cyclist ever to win three gold medals in the same discipline.

Armstrong, who turns 43 years old on Thursday, completed a remarkable hat trick, having won won gold in the time trial in Beijing and London.

Armstrong dedicated her win to compatriot Mara Abbott, who came up short in the women's road race on Sunday, having been caught by a chase group in the final kilometer.

After her first gold in Beijing, Armstrong retired from the sport to become a mother, but returned for the London Games to successfully defend her title, NBC reported. Armstrong is the oldest female cycling medalist of all time.